Have you and your fiance decided that you want to do a First Look? We’ve talked about what it is here, and went over the pros and cons here, and even talked about why we recommend that you should do a First Look on this blog post here, so now that you’ve made your decision we have a few tips for getting that perfect First Look moment.

If you’re not familiar with what a First Look is—it’s a chance for you and your husband to see each other before your official wedding ceremony! It’s that magical moment when your soon-to-be husband first sets eyes on you, the beloved bride, and both your emotions come rushing out. As photographers and videographers we’ve orchestrated our fair share of First Look moments. These next tips are some of the important things we recommend that you think about when planning your perfect First Look.

1. Choose a location with great light and a clean background.

As your photographers and videographers, we’ll probably be giving you some guidance on where exactly we recommend your First Look to be. They’re a tricky location to pick out because we care a lot about lighting—we’ll need to make sure that two angles are properly lit (you and your groom). So, feel free to have a place in mind, but also understand that we will be giving some guidance as well.

2. Make sure you have your flowers.

You’ll want to be sure to have your bouquet. Even if you choose not to do the actual First Look with the flowers, we’ll probably be doing some bridal portraits shortly after your First Look, so be sure to have them with you. And your groom will need to have his boutonniere pinned on for the whole thing—it just makes his attire look so much more complete and brings in the entire aesthetic of your wedding day in these pictures.

3. Wear your rings.

Honestly, this is a big pet peeve of ours. If you’re doing any pictures before your ceremony then you need to be wearing your rings. Nothing is worse than hanging a group bridal party picture or First Look moment up on your living room wall and then realizing that your husband isn’t actually wearing his wedding band.

4. Make sure your location is private and away from family and guests.

You will want your first look to be a private moment between just the two of you. Having your first look in a location away from people will let that moment be tender and special. Your First Look and couple portraits is one of the only moments during your wedding day when you and your soon-to-be spouse will be alone during your wedding day. Enjoy this time with just the two of you and let your family and friends know that you will be ready to party with them afterwards.

5. Don’t wear your veil.

There is nothing worse than your groom giving you a big hug and having the awkward moment of him pulling on your veil (or even having it come flying off). If you really want it for the portraits afterward, have a bridesmaid bring it after your first look is complete. But we typically recommend waiting to put on your veil until later. Plus, we think that when brides wear their veil for the first time walking down the aisle it makes the aisle reveal different, more grandiose, and just as special.

6. Do what feels natural and don’t force emotions.

The First Look is one of the sweetest moments of your day and needs to unfold with emotion naturally. We usually have the groom facing the opposite way, and you, the bride, will walk towards him. With no direction other than having you tap your groom on the shoulder, we try to let this beautiful moment happen all on it’s own. We’ve seen everything from huge smiles, laughter, tears, and tons of hugs. We appreciate that each of our LVP Couples are unique and have different reactions. 

7. Try to forget that the photographer and videographer are there.

As mentioned above, we want these emotions to feel natural. I know it may feel a little awkward to have your photographer snapping photos or your videographer filming every moment, but just focus on your soon-to-be spouse and try your best to forget that we’re here.

8. Don’t have expectations.

You’ve planned this whole wedding. Everything is set up to a tee. But this is the one moment where we want you to be free. Let the actual moment sink in and don’t try to have any expectations about how you or your groom will behave. Some couples will cry when they see each other, some will just smile and kiss, and some will hug and just look at each other. Don’t force anything and don’t feel pressured or upset if tears don’t start flowing. All couples are different and everyone expresses their love in a different way.

9. Take your time.

Take the time that you both need to really absorb this moment.  A First Look is one of the only times on your wedding day that you will be alone together.  Hold that hug, talk to each other sweetly, and soak up everything about this moment. It’s your big day, and this is the perfect time to remember exactly why you’re here.